Life after the Edinburgh Marathon...

Hello Fudgey Friends,

I can't believe that a week has passed already since my first marathon. It's also been my first non running week in a long long time - at least a year I think & possibly as much as 18 months) So I hear you ask how have I coped not running & what have I done with my boundless energy & enthusiasm & grumpiness that sets in when I don't run....

Rest & Recovery
Last Monday I had the day off after the Marathon but felt a lot better than I expected. I pottered about the house and then headed into town to meet my fabulous hubby for coffee & cake. I also treated myself to some Clarin skincare products.

Pampering
I was back to work on Tuesday & my quads were a little stiff but other than that I was absolutely fine. I had a pretty full day of meetings but a nice reward after work when I had a back, neck & shoulder massage and a facial. Then it was off to Livingston's restaurant in Linlithgow for a celebratory meal. This is the second time I've been here and the food again was simply exceptional. For my starter I had - Marbled Terrine of Confit Game, Livingston's Branston, Tomato-Bread, Hazelnuts, my main course - Fillet of Aged Scottish Beef, Braised Feather Blade, Potato Puree, Carmelised Shallots, Wilted Spinach, Red Wine Jus and dessert -
Passionfruit Tart, Chocolate Marquise, Passion Fruit Reduction, Coconut Sorbet all accompanied by an absolutely delicious Malbec & finished off with coffee & tablet.
Thank you so much to hubby for taking me.

Washed Out Wednesday
On Wednesday my quads felt more sore than they had on Monday or Tuesday and plans of maybe going to circuits were put aside. Tuesday night wasn't a late night, nor really one of over indulgence but I simply felt washed out all day - so an early night was just what the doctor ordered.

Back to the Torture
Thursday morning was my first visit back to the gym since the marathon and back to personal training.
Tightness in quads pretty much gone & good job too!

3 sets of 2 unassisted pull ups - 1st one was so nearly nearly there
4 supersets of 10 cable pull downs 65kg with 15 swiss ball chest press with 8kg dumbbells
4 supersets of 6 widegrip assisted pull ups with 12 matrix bicep curl - 4 bottom half, 4 top half, 4 full 14kg - hurt like hell!
warm up set of 15 squats 14kg
3 tri sets of 15 squats 55kg, 12 high bar lunges 10kg & 30seconds of oblique cycles managed 46, 55 & 58.

Felt surprisingly good after the Marathon

Spinning
Friday saw me back in the spin studio - possibly for the first time this year I think as I've had to put in so much running so it was good to be back. 5th day of no running & had twitchy legs but taking a full weeks running rest so this was a great alternative. Forgot how much I actually enjoy spin - I am definitely far from normal.

Lazy Weekend
Not too much to report from the weekend - a very laid back & lazy one to be honest but again probably what I needed.
I had my hair done on Saturday & have gone back to brunette - not that I didn't like the blond but just too much maintenance & not really me - after all neither She Hulk or Wonderwoman are blond!
I also managed to fit in the initial tests for the 100 press up challenge (managed 30) & the 200 sit up challenge (managed 50)- both of which are not bad starting points & see me starting the programme at week 3. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

What next....
Aiming to obliterate that 10k in 3 weeks!

and beyond that......
I've entered The Dublin marathon on 31st October 2011.
After swearing during the last few weeks of training that Edinburgh was not just my first but my only Marathon - I've been bitten by the bug and signed up for another. Maybe I wouldn't have felt the same if I'd not enjoyed the run so much but I loved every minute of it and me being me am gutted I didn't finish under 5 hours so need to do better!

I think that's enough for one evening I shall leave you there and go get my running gear sorted for tomorrow.

Take Care all
lots of love
Fudgey
xxxx

Edinburgh Marathon - Race Report

Hello Fudgey Friends,

I've been procrastinating for the last 45 minutes about writing this report. My head is still buzzing & I have so much I want to share but just don't know where to start.

Pre Race
'Zipping up the Fudgey suit'
As it was a 10am start on Sunday we didn't need to get up as early as we had for last years half or for the Kilomathon so the alarm didn't go off till 7.15am. I'd had a migraine on Saturday afternoon and had napped for 2 hours so was pleasantly surprised to have a fantastic night's sleep & wake up feeling refreshed. First up was my usual race day breakfast of Marks & Spencer Apple & Sultana porridge - I don't know what I'll do if they ever discontinue this. I also drank about 800ml of water before we left the house, so again as usual several toilet visits too. I had laid everything out on Saturday night so there wasn't much to do other than tape my feet, get dressed and head out the door. As Mr Fudgey was coming home after the start I had a bag of stuff for him to pick up to bring to the finish - which is where I had put my purse.....so leaving the house at 8.20am I suddenly realise I need my bus pass which is in the purse....but it wasn't in the bag....couldn't remember what I had done with it & we had to go as our Sunday morning service is only 1 bus an hour & the bus was at 8.30am (Actually found the purse when we got home later on the kitchen counter - dizzy Fudgey)

The bus journey was a bit of a nightmare - the bus stopped at every stop and people got on - most of them not knowing what they were doing or where they were going. I was starting to wish I had my ipod to zone out. Eventually off the bus and I was bursting for the toilet - so dived into The Old Waverley hotel to use their facilities - then walked the short distance up to Regent road for the start.


I got a bit emotional when I top my running top out to put on - it was just a realisation of what I was about to do & why I was doing it & it all got a bit much - Mr Fudgey however at the time was filming so I am sure that the tears will somehow make it into the edited video - well I suppose it is who I am - an emotional little Fudgey.

Mr Fudgey left me at about 9.35am to head off to find a good place to cheer me on & film me from. Rather than hanging about in my start pen for 25 minutes I decided to visit the portaloos again - as usual at every event big queues. I eventually got to the front - imagine my face when I came out & the place had cleared! I rushed back up to the road but the announcer was still saying 10 minutes to the start so I hadn't missed anything Thank goodness. I joined my starting pen and slowly we inched towards the start line - there were masses of runners & I think it took nearly 15 minutes for me to actually reach the start line & then we were off.

The Route


The Race

I knew that I had to try not to get too caught up in the start of the race or head out to fast but of course I did - I looked at my garmin but was very disciplined and made myself ease off a little. Saw Mr Fudgey twice in the first km - he is an absolute star - I don't know how he manages to catch me every time.
First 5k felt brilliant - nice easy, consistent pace, could have gone faster but was really anxious not to knacker myself when I had so far to go.
Coming up to around 10km I was really encouraged to see 3 people I knew from work cheering the runners on - Fiona Mills, Richard Hope & Scott Innes. Around 13k I also saw Scott Smith who was running in the relay heading to the relay point to prepare for his leg of the run. I was feeling really good & really comfortable, even the couple of showers of rain didn't bother me as they didn't last too long & weren't too heavy.
Around 15k I saw the Bliss support team and again this really spurred me on. I was running really well & my splits were even but I wasn't sure how long I'd maintain it. I decided I'd run for as long as I possibly could & made it to 30k running nonstop. I was also delighted to see my friend Steve Kinghorn twice on the dogleg part of the course - this really spurred me on again especially when I felt something in my shoe which felt like my toenail coming off - this didn't stop me though I just hobble a little for a few steps gritted my teeth & pushed on. The toenail didn't actually come off but I think it soon will. Made it to 32km in 3 hours 43 minutes and was really pleased fastest I'd done this in training was 4 hours 3 minutes.
At this point I was certain I could make the finish in about 4 hours 50ish, but then we turned face into the wind & the next 10k were a real battle. Gusts of wind kept catching my cap & after grabbing in several times I eventually let it go at about 24 miles - it was only £1 from Asda after all. My eyes were streaming from the wind too and I was having to walk a little but I was really enjoying myself.
At around 25.5miles I saw my friends Smurfie & Lorna and this really lifted me - I was so happy to see them & they did me very proud with their cheering.
Then I could see the finish line & I saw Mr Fudgey. I was delighted to see it wasn't on the rubber mats like last years half so was able to increase the pace & sprint for the line. Both hands went in the air & punched the air in victory - I'd really done it I'd run my first Marathon.




The Finish Area
I'm not sure how but Steve had got back to the finish & met me at the finishers area so I was chatting away to him while negotiating the shambles that was the finishers area this year. There were tables with lucozade & water so I helped myself but there was no obvious organisation - in fact there wasn't even anyone directing runners were to go. It was a complete bottle neck. I was unceremoniously given a medal - last year we had our medals hung round our necks. Then I found the table with the finishers t-shirts & then the goody bags. To be fair I think the race crew were quite stressed as there were so many people in such a small street & no obvious organisation or channeling of runners. Last year at the half I had described the finish area to Mr Fudgey as a party atmosphere - not this year I was very disappointed. There was also no banana this year - though further up there seemed to be loads of discarded skins so I wonder if they had run out. We then had to negotiate around people trying to get to the baggage trucks.
I asked Mr Fudgey where Mum & Dad Smith were & he didn't know. They had dropped him off as they couldn't get near the car park. So we phoned them & they were at the reunion area. Mr Fudgey had been given directions the wrong way to the finish by a race steward - it took a runner to tell him where to go to see me finishing.

We then met Mum & Dad Smith who were gutted they hadn't seen me run as they weren't allowed near the finish area. There was no sign of the advertised big screen - but I later heard there was a screen but it was broken. The car park was not accessible by the directions supplied - so 2 parking tickets paid for - not used because my supporters couldn't get there. Also KMac & Rob couldn't get through to see me run either and were upset & angry. Both race stewards & police were downright rude to Mum & Dad Smith. It kind of took the shine off things a little. GSI Events should be ashamed of the organisation this years finish - it was an absolute disgrace. I have heard numerous similar stories from other runners & their supporters.

The Goody Bag

















Post Race
When we got home it was an effort to get out of the car & into the house - also captured on video! Once I'd had my ice bath though & a warm shower I felt a lot better. We went to Mum & Dad Smith for a lovely meal & also some very lovely wine - Chateau Neuf du Pape - my favorite:-)
I've had today off and everything still seems to be working fine - no running for a good few days though. My quads are a little sore today & surprisingly my collar bone is really sore possibly from battling into the wind? Tomorrow I have a facial & aback neck & shoulder massage to look forward & a celebratory meal with my fabby Mr Fudgey.

So that was my first marathon - but I am sure not my last - I totally loved it & think I really can improve my time with the right training.

Whats Next?
Next up I have a 10k in about 4 weeks so a wee rest this week & then back to the training - better get some hills in.

Thanks again to everyone for their support.

Take Care all
lots of love
Fudgey
xxxxx

It's Official

Hello Fudgey Friends,

It's official - I'm a marathon finisher :-)


Totally loved it - another is definitely on the cards

More soon but now just enjoying.


Lots of love
Fudgey
xxxx

It's not all about me

Hello Fudgey Friends,

Well as you will see from my countdown clock it is nearly time. Tomorrow I'll be running the Edinburgh Marathon.

I really wanted to a quick post tonight to say Thank you and to recognise all the people who have helped & supported me to get this far as they are all as much a part of this as I am.

Mr Fudgey - Best Hubby in the world
Poor Mr Fudgey has probably had the toughest job of all. He has been so patient, supportive, encouraging & when I needed it honest with me. I could write a whole post about just how wonderful he is.

Family, Friends, Colleagues
I'm so lucky to have the most amazing support network of family, friends & colleagues. Mum & Dad Lockie, Mum & Dad Smith, The McWilliams Clan, Mr & Mrs Muppet, Gran, Liz, Kenneth, and Fay. KMac & Smurfie who help keep me sane. Colin Fraser who keeps me in shape. Clare Fulton - Sports Masseuse Extraordinaire. My wonderful work colleagues who endure my endless running chat & sometimes boundless energy / hyperactivity!

Amazing Charity
I'm running for an amazing charity - Bliss. Hannah at Bliss has been fantastic sending out weekly emails to EMF runners, organising cheering materials, t-shirts, running vests and generally answering queries.

Supporters
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far. It's not to late though if anyone else would still like too.
http://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Smith15

Mark Cooper
Mark is a running friend I've made this year & he is tackling the impressive challenge of running the 10k, 5k, half Marathon & Marathon this weekend.

DailyMile
In the past 6 months I've made many running friends through DailyMile. I'd especially like to mention the running lovelies Emma W & Karen S - who have inspired me so much & who are both also running the Marathon tomorrow.
There are way too many people to mention - but those I can think of who are running tomorrow as well are: Lena C, Richard M, HonestJim, MovingA, IanP, Chloe M, Armando & Neil G - Good Luck to everyone and I look forward to seeing all your DM post race updates :-)
Also Ben W who is running the Windermere Marathon tomorrow - Good Luck ;-)
I wish I could mention everyone as you are all fab.

Well time for me to go & try relax a bit. Will post briefly tomorrow to let you know I made it.

lots of love
Fudgey
xxxx

Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail

Hello Fudgey Friends,

Today we said goodbye to our friend Judi. Those of you who have been following me a while may remember my post last year about Judi's Rays of Sunshine

The funeral service was a humanitarian one and was lovely, though a sad & emotional day it was a real celebration of Judi's life and I feel so privileged to have known her - she certainly was one amazing lady.

I was thinking about the day on the bus on my way home and recalled one of the anecdotes from the service about one of Judi's favourite sayings being 'Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail' I actually recall her saying this:-)

Though I have my own reasons for running and supporting Bliss, I will be thinking of Judi on Sunday & taking inspiration from her. I'll also be thinking of Judi when I take part in this year's Race for Life event. This post from last week and my entry into Race for Life was as a result of the news that Judi had said goodbye to us and for a couple of people close to my heart who have cancer.

I've certainly done the preparation for the Marathon & I refuse to fail now.

Take Care Everyone
Lots of Love
Fudgey
xxxx

Blogless

Hello Fudgey Friends,

I'm so sorry I have left you blogless - I haven't forgotten you. Please forgive me.

So where I have been for over a week you ask.

Katie Melua @ Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

On Monday 9th March we finally got to see the postponed Katie Melua concert from December and she was absolutely amazing. Brilliant night out but made for a long day as was out the house from 6.30am to squeeze in a quick pre work run - short on both time and enthusiasm though was getting into it just as I had to stop to get ready for work. Small niggles in calf and tightness in ankle. Not home till about 11.30pm - well worth it though.

Personal Torture
warm up set of 12 assisted pull ups 26kg
3 sets of 2 'unassisted' pull ups ('unassisted' = a little help from my trainer) These were poor can do better but arms still sore from Friday's PT.
3 supersets of 8 assisted pull ups 12kg with 12 assisted tricep dips 26kg
4 supersets of 10 lat pull downs 35kg & 16 alternate bicep curls 9kg
3 tri sets of lunges 25 kg bar 12 each leg, 16 medicine ball lunges 6kg & 12 swiss ball hamstring curls each leg
3 supersets 15 swissball jack knifes & 15 ab extensions with 25lb plate

It never seems to get any easier!

Back to Circuits & a cheeky wee run
My absolute favourite class with my fab friend Smurfy @ lunchtime
Didn't feel sore at all after yesterday's PT so went to circuits - think it may all catch up with me tomorrow though - arms are starting to ache & it'll be shower & early bed for me
Stations today were: lunges with 15kg bar, bicep curls 10kg bar, skipping, side raises with 3kg dumbbells, punchbag, suicides, squats 30kg, step ups with 5kg dumbbells, press up, tricep dips, inverted row & power bag sprints. 2 rounds of a minute each station.
Then after work a wee treadmill session
Running with sore abs is a little challenging but I did a workout I quite like which is after warming up for a few minutes taking the speed up by 0.1km/h each minute for 15 minutes & then back down before a cool down. Job done

Crap Day at the office
tension resolver 5.62 km - Thought this would make me feel better after a crap day at work but sadly it didn't :-(
threw in a couple of sprint intervals amongst a general plod but just wasn't really in the mood
Ended up having a fairly early night and thankfully felt better in the morning.

Friday again - where does the week go
Not been to pump for ages as been focusing so much on my running but since I'm tapering today was a NO run day but I needed / wanted to do something so I went to pump at lunchtime and really enjoyed it :-)
Still reintroducing fish into my diet and had tuna steak for the second time with no ill effect - this time I cooked it in say sauce & orange juice & it was fab. More fudgey food pictures soon I promise.

Reality Strikes
Saturday was a fairly lazy day with general tidying & laundry but the big event of the weekend was my Marathon race number arriving :-$ Real roller coaster of emotions.




Last real run before the big day
So not up for this - huge Thanks to hubby who kissed me at the front door told me to 'zip up my mansuit & get out running' First 5k were a real effort but I just kept plodding along focusing on each 1/2km at a time & it started to feel better after 5k by the time I was finishing at 13k I felt much better and wanted to go further - but being a good girl & following the taper caper- too late now to make any difference. 1 week to go #Edinburgh Marathon

More Personal Torture
Back to work today - Monday again & my weekly PT session - booked it early this week so I am recovered for the big day.
fastest hour ever
3 sets of 2 pull ups (almost unassisted)
4 supersets of 8 widegrip cable pull down 37.5kg & 15 cable flyes 12.5kg
3 sets of 1 pull up (almost unassisted)
3 supersets of 10 (each arm) single arm row 30lbs & 10 preacher curls don't know weight - don't like these they hurt!
3 trisets of 15 leg press 75kg, 20 overhead lunges 10kg & 15 weighted squat jumps 10kg dumbbells
3 sets of 10 triple crunch first set with 5lb plate but went up to 10lb as the 5 was too light!
2 sets of 10 medicine ball pass, twist, crunch combo

Good session today went past so quick


and that my dear fudgey friends is a whistle stop roundup of where I have been & what I've been up to. Busy week at the office and getting ready for the weekend.
Just keep telling myself this is what I've trained for.

Will be back soon I promise

Take Care all
lots of love
Fudgey
xxxx

If I could change the world...

Hello Fudgey Friends,

If I could change the world, If there was just one thing I could do no matter how improbable, I'd rid the world of cancer. Sadly it's not possible but as my small contribution I've decided to sign up for a Race for Life 10k run.

I decided to take part in this event this year as cancer has and is affecting so many people I know and care about.

I just wish there was more I could do.

The Race for Life story
Race for Life is the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK.
Since 1994, women of all ages and fitness levels across the UK have come together at these inspiring events to walk, jog or run to help beat cancer.

Some of Race for Life women take part in celebration of surviving a cancer experience. Others take part in memory of a loved one or to give hope to a cancer-free future. But all share a common goal: to raise money for Cancer Research UK's groundbreaking work and to help save more lives.

I have already raised a lot of money this year for Bliss and wouldn't normally ask for anymore sponsorship but this is a cause I feel very very strongly about for many reasons for me, for my family, my friends & colleagues whose lives have been touched by cancer in one way or another.

If anyone would like to sponsor me I have set up a new sponsor page


lots of love
Fudgey
xxxxx